3:12such a hope. The splendor of the new covenant, which will not fade or pass away, provides the apostle’s hope and fuels his boldness.

very bold. Paul is not at all ashamed to stand before the world and proclaim the excellent gospel. The reference to “boldness” links the discussion of vv. 7–11 with Paul’s defense of his apostleship (10:1, 2). He is bold, not vacillating as his opponents accused him (1:17–2:4); and his boldness, taking the form of the fearless speech so evident in this epistle, is a great contrast to the deceitful selfishness of his opponents (2:17).